Article from BTNews 18 SEPTEMBER 2017
Manchester to Southend
Flybe is to introduce a Manchester to Southend air service from 29 October, flown by an ATR72 three times weekdaily, reduced at the weekend. 
Glyn Jones, Chief Executive Officer of Stobart Aviation, owners of Southend Airport says: “With so much potential aggravation travelling by road or rail, people are waking up to the idea that flying is no longer a daft option and is perhaps a better way to travel to the capital.
“We’re excited about launching the new route from Manchester to London Southend Airport next month. Many travellers just want a quick, hassle-free journey rather than being squeezed into train carriages like cattle or stuck in interminable motorway traffic jams.”
The latest statistics show flying is soon to become the best way to travel.
Research by the independent regulator, the Office of Rail and Road, reveals the rate of train passenger complaints rising by 7.5% in the past year. Punctuality and reliability of services were the most common problems. Virgin Trains West Coast –servicing Manchester to London – was one of the worst offenders with 154 complaints per 100,000 passenger journeys. VLM in the past operated London City Airport to Manchester, the service withdrawn in 2105 when Virgin improved its operation.
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...Southend's Great...But Why Can't We Have Manchester-Northolt, Flybe ?...